Ramone's Brother Slams Bandmate's Widow For Mccain Endorsement

The brother of late punk legend Joey Ramone has blasted the widow of his sibling's bandmate Johnny Ramone after she publicly endorsed U.S. presidential candidate John McCain's bid for the White House.
Linda Cummings, who was married to the late guitarist - real name John Cummings - has reportedly spoken out in support of the Republican and his running mate Sarah Palin's campaign.
But Joey Ramone's brother Mickey Leigh, who helps run Ramones Productions, is furious Cummings is using the band's name to back a possible MCCain administration - insisting the Ramones as a band were not supporters of the Republican party.
In a statement, Leigh says, "It has been brought to my attention that Linda Cummings, using the name Ramone, has been in the media joining with the Palin family and the MCCains to attempt to aid their campaign for the Presidency.
"As a President of Ramones Productions, and brother of Joey Ramone, I just want it to be clear that Linda Cummings does not represent the political views of the Ramones.
"Surely, as for Joey Ramone, the only Ramones song he would sing at a Republican campaign event would be Glad To See You Go."
And Leigh makes reference to Johnny Ramone's speech at the Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame ceremony in 2002, where he proclaimed, "God Bless George Bush" - saying the confusing comment now makes sense.
He adds, "I should add that when Johnny stated 'God Bless George Bush' at the 2002 Rock N' Roll Hall of Fame awards, I realise now that he was on to something. Because if it were not for George Bush and his handling of our country the past eight years, I doubt so many Americans, including so many highly regarded Republicans, would now be getting behind (Democratic candidate) Barack Obama. So, yes, God bless George Bush for paving the way to Obama."
Joey Ramone lost his battle with lymphoma in 2001, aged 49.
Johnny Ramone died in 2004 after a battle with prostate cancer and was believed to be a Republican voter, once telling reporters: "I think Ronald Reagan was the best president of my lifetime."